Even when your BMW is securely parked, keep an eye on it. With the help of BMW ConnectedDrive services, you can be confident that your car is always up to date and prepared to go.
- distant 3D view
- Continual Map Updates
- remotely upgraded software
- TeleService
In This Article...
What does BMW ConnectedDrive cost?
All eligible BMW vehicles with the software installed are eligible for free registration with ConnectedDrive. For three years, most BMW vehicles come standard with it. BMW offers the majority of the Digital Services capabilities separately or as a trial since it understands that not all owners will want or require all of the ConnectedDrive functions.
The majority of these have different prices, ranging from PS1 for a one-month trial of real-time traffic data to PS79 for a map update for the My Journey system. BMW, on the other hand, offers four ConnectedDrive packages that range in price from PS59 to PS239 and run for a full year. As the price rises, each bundle includes more ConnectedDrive features.
Only BMWs with the most recent OS7 infotainment system and up receive Apple CarPlay for free, which may surprise some BMW owners. When their BMWs reach their third anniversary, some owners will still be required to pay up to PS265 for Apple CarPlay. In 2020, BMW vehicles finally offered Android Auto connectivity as an option, providing wireless integration to the vehicle’s infotainment system at no additional cost.
THE KEY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS RELATING TO BMW CONNECTED DRIVE
All digital services that intelligently connect the car to the outside world are included in BMW ConnectedDrive. These also include connections for mobile devices, driver aid systems, entertainment options, and traffic services in addition to telematics services. In order to use ConnectedDrive, you must:
- A SIM card is permanently present and functional in your car.
- You are a BMW ID holder.
- Your car has been added to your BMW ID.
Download the My BMW app to take use of all the services it has to offer. For instance, you can use the app to plan your journeys while driving and send the destination in advance to your BMW.
On the ConnectedDrive overview page, you may discover a list of the services provided.
A SIM card is permanently fitted and always operational in BMW automobiles as of 2013. This SIM card is a requirement in order to utilize ConnectedDrive and to comply with legal obligations such as making a lawful emergency call. The exchange of data between the car and BMW via the mobile network is used to provide ConnectedDrive services like the BMW Intelligent Emergency Call, Concierge Service, Teleservice, etc.
To access all BMW ConnectedDrive services, you also need an active SIM card and a BMW ID.
- Save the configurations of your vehicles.
- Hire ConnectedDrive services and use them.
- Upkeep of your profile information.
You can utilize the BMW ConnectedDrive suite of services after creating a BMW ID and adding your vehicle to it.
Having an active SIM card and a BMW ID are prerequisites for adding a vehicle (registration). You can access digital services* after adding the vehicle, including viewing it in the My BMW app or My BMW portal.
- Verify the condition of the car.
- Send a car to the destination
- Locate a car with a smartphone
- BMW Electronic Key
- plus a lot more!
There are numerous nations across the world where ConnectedDrive services are accessible. The variety of services may differ from one country to another depending on the market.
Technology of the 21st Century for the 21st Century Driver
At its core, BMW ConnectedDrive is a technology package packed with the kinds of services and applications that allow you stay connected to the world around you at all times, even while you’re moving through it at 60 mph. Numerous well-known mobile applications, including Yelp, Pandora, Napster, Stitcher, Twitter, and others, are accessible directly from your dashboard, simplifying your necessary duties without diverting your attention from driving.
The iDrive system, which consists of a controller, a screen, and a touchpad, is the heart of the BMW ConnectedDrive system. It enables seamless operation of all the entertainment, information, communication, and navigation systems of a vehicle from a single point of access. There are several “direct access” keys to ensure that you can always operate everything you need as a driver with only one hand, in addition to making frequently used items like the radio or GPS navigation conveniently accessible.
You can enhance these advantages with the BMW Connected smartphone app, which is accessible on both the iOS and Android operating systems. Without ever taking up your phone, you can instantly sync your contacts and calendars, view emails, and check SMS text messages. Even better, you may use a search engine like Google to conduct an Internet search or use your dashboard to get turn-by-turn instructions to your favorite sites or discover new ones.
Exists ConnectedDrive in every BMW model?
For three years, ConnectedDrive is standard on every new or relatively new BMW; after that, owners must pay a yearly fee for the service.
On my BMW, how can I install ConnectedDrive?
- Type your VIN’s final seven characters here.
- Choose whether you are the primary or backup driver of the car.
- On the infotainment screen on your car, look for the security code. It may be accessed by going to Main Menu > ConnectedDrive > Messages. Your phone’s ConnectedDrive app will ask for the same code.
Is my BMW app the same as BMW ConnectedDrive?
The common interface to your BMW and to all other products and services from BMW is the My BMW App. You are always kept informed of the state of your car thanks to the My BMW App. It also enables remote access features, such as finding the vehicle, locking and unlocking the doors, or capturing the surroundings of the vehicle, depending on the equipment used (Remote 3D View). You can submit destination addresses to your car’s navigation system using the My BMW App on your smartphone. For example, you can always see your electric range thanks to the app’s wide range of essential features for electrified vehicles.
- Vehicles made in 2014 and later are best suited for the My BMW App.
- Individual app features may be available depending on your vehicle’s specification and your BMW ConnectedDrive contract.
- App features might not be available in all countries.
The My BMW App is free to download from the Google Play store or the Apple App Store and is compatible with both iOS and Android devices.
Why can’t I find the BMW Connected App on the App Store and why does it no longer function?
As of July 1, 2021, the My BMW App totally replaced the BMW Connected App. To continue using our digital services in the future and take advantage of the features of the following generations, you may now download the new My BMW App. Use your standard BMW ID (e-mail address/password) to log in.
It does, indeed. The My BMW App uses the amount of data included in your mobile phone contract if WiFi is not available. For instance, it makes use of this volume to transfer locations seen on the integrated map to your vehicle.
The My BMW app can be used without owning a car in demo mode. Choose a stylish BMW sample car from the App Garage to learn more about the many App features, such as those related to electric mobility.
What features come with BMW ConnectedDrive?
- Use BMW Financial Services to log into your account.
- Create “Time to Leave” alerts.
- Verify the status of your charge or fuel level.
- Get immediate on-street parking information and forecasting help.
- 3D view in real time on the screen of your smartphone.
- Utilize remote services to locate your vehicle.
When does BMW ConnectedDrive end?
Select automobiles will no longer be able to offer ConnectedDrive services starting in February 2022 due to cellular providers’ phase-out of the 3G network. The choice to discontinue use of 3G network technology was made at the discretion of the individual cellular carriers and is outside of BMW’s control.
Does the WIFI on the BMW cost money?
The BMW ConnectedDrive connectivity plan includes unlimited pleasure surfing at LTE speed among other features. You need a phone provider with wireless charging and at least the most basic Connected Package option to use this service.
Can I use my phone to start my BMW?
With the BMW Digital Key and BMW Digital Key Plus, go keyless. The key fob for your car can be replaced with an iPhone, Google Pixel, or Samsung Galaxy smartphone that is compatible. To lock and unlock, simply touch it to the driver-side door handle. To start the engine, place your device in the wireless charging tray.
What operating system does my BMW have, and how do I know?
All BMW Operating System 7 and 8-equipped vehicles are eligible. * That’s more than 20 different BMW models.
* Depending on the country, the vehicle’s model, its equipment, and its condition, different upgrades may have different requirements.
The hardware that is installed in your car determines whether it can receive the BMW Remote Software Upgrade. This is possible in almost all vehicles running BMW Operating Systems 7 and 8. If your car is one of them, you can quickly and easily find out. To accomplish this, choose “My Vehicle” > “Settings” > “General Settings” > “Remote Software Upgrade” from the vehicle’s menu. Use this feature if “Remote Software Upgrade” is shown.
Your BMW will always be up to date thanks to this free software update. A BMW remote software upgrade may come with new functions, functional upgrades, and quality improvements. Depending on the country, the type of vehicle, its equipment, and its state, the material may change.
You will receive a push notification as soon as new software for your BMW becomes available via the Control Display in your car or the My BMW app on your smartphone, if you have it installed. You may access the upgrade in the app or on your BMW to see what information is being updated or new features are being introduced. Make sure your car is securely parked and won’t be utilized for the next 20 minutes before the upgrading begins. Installing the upgrade is as simple as following the directions on the Control Display.
You have two options for downloading the latest software with the BMW Remote Software Upgrade: either through the My BMW app or automatically while you’re driving directly through your vehicle SIM. You will be asked to confirm the installation of the new software and to launch it after the download is finished.
The entire installation and upgrade process only takes about 20 minutes once the download is complete (length depending on your internet connection or network coverage while driving). Your vehicle is not operational during the installation. Before your subsequent journey, you will be alerted that the upgrade was successfully installed. You can now go back and view the upgrade’s contents if you like.
Due to hardware limitations, the BMW Remote Software Upgrade is factory installed; a subsequent purchase is not feasible.
What BMW models are compatible with my BMW app?
Vehicle Requirements: All 2014 model year and newer Navigation-equipped vehicles, with the exception of the 2014 X6, are compatible with the new BMW Connected app. A current membership to BMW AssistTM/ConnectedDrive is necessary. Not every vehicle will have every feature and function.
Do I have GPS tracking on my BMW?
Keep track of the status of the charging process, tire pressure, fuel, and battery levels, among other things. Using Remote Services, you may also lock, unlock, and locate your car.
My BMW App helps you find parking, discover POIs, send your destination directly to your BMW, and even check the range of your electrified vehicle.
Right from your phone, manage your BMW Financial Services account. Make payments, receive reminders to make payments, and more.